Shoring up its blue line, the Avalanche on Monday re-signed defensemen Adam Foote and John-Michael Liles, the team said.

Foote was signed to a two-year contract. Liles was contracted for a four-year deal.

Liles led Avs defensemen with 32 points (six goals, 26 assists) in 81 games last season. The 27-year-old was picked by the Avs in the fifth round of the 2000 draft. He has 159 points (44 goals) in four seasons.

Foote rejoined the team last season from Columbus on Feb. 26, just before the trading deadline. He played in 12 regular-season games and 10 playoff games. Foote, who turns 37 on July 10, started his career with the organization when he was drafted by Quebec in the second round of the 1989 draft. In 16 seasons he has played in 998 NHL games and has 284 points (65 goals).

“Adam was a big part of our stretch run last season,” Avalanche general manager Francois Giguere said. “He has been an important leader for this franchise for many years, and we’re counting on him to play the same role over the next two seasons.”

Between Columbus and Colorado last season, Foote had one goal, 15 assists and 107 penalty minutes in 75 games. In 998 games over 16 NHL seasons, he has 65 goals, 219 assists and 1,407 penalty minutes.

Liles also appeared in 10 playoff games, scoring twice with three assists.

The Associated Press contributed to this report

More in Sports

Big Sunday at the sold-out PC, where the Avalanche never trailed in a 5-1 victory over Detroit. Given the score and the circumstance, our game story is all about Nathan MacKinnon and his Hart Trophy candidacy.